Empowering Rural India: Grameen Bharat Mahotsav 2025 Begins at Bharat Mandapam

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the six-day Grameen Bharat Mahotsav 2025 at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary also attended the event. The Mahotsav saw participation from self-help groups (SHGs), farmer producer organizations (FPOs), cooperatives, artisans, and geographical indication (GI) registered users from across the country.

The event, organized by NABARD under the aegis of the Department of Financial Services (DFS), Government of India, is scheduled from January 4 to 9, 2025. This year’s theme, “Building a Resilient Rural India for a Viksit Bharat 2047”, echoes the motto “गांव बढ़े, तो देश बढ़े” (“When villages grow, the nation grows”). The Mahotsav highlights India’s rural strength in culture, entrepreneurship, and innovation, aiming to promote self-reliance, sustainable development, and financial inclusion.

In his address, PM Modi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transforming rural India into vibrant hubs of growth. He lauded NABARD for its contributions to rural development, including initiatives involving Kisan Credit Cards, self-help groups, and the formation of more FPOs. The Prime Minister also advocated for the establishment of more cooperatives like Amul to boost rural economies, emphasizing branding and packaging of GI products to enhance their market value.

Upcoming Highlights and Sessions:

The remaining days of the Grameen Bharat Mahotsav 2025 promise a diverse array of enriching experiences and knowledge-sharing platforms aimed at fostering rural development and economic resilience.

Key Sessions to Watch:

• January 6, 2025 – Financial Inclusion for Rural Empowerment:

A panel featuring senior officials from NABARD, the Ministry of Rural Development, and leading financial institutions will discuss expanding financial literacy, increasing rural credit accessibility, and enhancing digital banking penetration in remote areas.

• January 7, 2025 – Innovation in Agriculture and Rural Enterprises:

This session will spotlight technological innovations in agriculture, rural supply chains, and agri-tech start-ups. Case studies of successful FPOs and cooperatives will illustrate the transformative impact of technology on rural livelihoods.

• January 8, 2025 – Women-Led Rural Entrepreneurship:

Women SHG leaders from across the country will share their journeys, highlighting the role of microfinance, skill development, and cooperative networks in empowering rural women. The session will explore NABARD’s initiatives to promote gender-inclusive economic growth.

• January 9, 2025 – Sustainable Rural Infrastructure Development:

The concluding day will focus on infrastructure projects under schemes like PMGSY (Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana) and rural electrification drives. Discussions will also cover renewable energy solutions and sustainable housing for rural communities.

Artisan Showcases and GI Product Promotion:

Throughout the Mahotsav, visitors can engage with live demonstrations of traditional crafts, including:

• Kutch embroidery from Gujarat,

• Pattachitra paintings from Odisha,

• Channapatna toys from Karnataka, and

• Madhubani art from Bihar.

Interactive stalls allow artisans to demonstrate their craft, with opportunities for visitors to purchase authentic rural products directly from the creators, promoting fair trade and boosting artisan income.

Networking and Collaboration Opportunities:

In addition to panel discussions and workshops, the Mahotsav offers networking lounges and B2B meetings for rural entrepreneurs, cooperatives, and government officials to foster partnerships and collaborations.

Special Session: Connecting Rural India to Global Markets

Industry leaders from the export sector will provide insights into enhancing the global reach of India’s rural products, leveraging e-commerce platforms and global exhibitions. Success stories from regions that have achieved international recognition through GI tags will be highlighted.

Cultural Evenings – Celebrating India’s Diversity:

Every evening, the cultural segment of the Mahotsav continues to captivate audiences with performances reflecting India’s vibrant heritage. Key performances include:

• Lavani dance from Maharashtra,

• Yakshagana from Karnataka,

• Manipuri classical dance, and

• Punjabi folk performances.

The festival culminates with a grand finale performance showcasing a collaborative fusion of dance forms from across India, symbolizing unity in diversity.

Significance of the Mahotsav for Rural India:

The Grameen Bharat Mahotsav 2025 serves as a testament to the government’s dedication to promoting rural self-reliance and economic growth. By bringing rural artisans, farmers, and entrepreneurs to the national stage, the event paves the way for enhanced recognition and commercialization of rural products.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Vision for Rural India:

In his closing remarks, PM Modi reiterated the importance of creating an ecosystem where rural and urban growth go hand in hand. He expressed confidence that initiatives like the Mahotsav would act as a catalyst in achieving the vision of “Viksit Bharat by 2047.”

Visitor Information:

• Entry: Open to the public from January 5 to 9, 2025.

• Location: Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.

• Timings: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily.

• Tickets: Available at venue gates or online through https://gbm.nabard.org/.

For press inquiries and additional details, contact:

NABARD Media Relations Office

Email: media@nabard.org

Phone: +91-11-23456789